Farmers and others who work in agriculture are used to helping neighbors, clients, family and friends do chores or make repairs, but they may not know how to help someone having thoughts of suicide.

A free, half-day safeTALK training sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will be offered in six locations around the state this fall to help people build the skills they need to offer that help.

The safeTALK training teaches participants how to recognize someone having thoughts of suicide, how to engage them, and how to make sure they get help. This evidence-based training is effective for people as young as 15 years old. Farmers, lenders, mediators, agency staff, clergy, educators, veterinarians, health care and social service providers, agricultural advisors, and business people are all invited to attend.

The trainings run 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and take place on the following dates:

• Oct. 10: Thief River Falls (Northland Community and Technical College)
• Oct. 11: Moorhead, (Minnesota State Community and Technical College – Moorhead)
• Nov. 20: Faribault (South Central College)
• Nov. 21: Austin (Riverland Community College)
• Dec. 3: Marshall (MERIT Center)
• Dec. 4: Waite Park (Quarry Center)

The training is free but pre-registration is required, as enrollment at each session is limited to 30 participants. Register today at www.safetalk-agriculture.eventbrite.com.